Literature Meta-Analysis
A literature meta-analysis is a special technique used to create an
integrative review or a methodological review. Meta-analysis involves
gathering the details about a large number of previous studies and
synthesizing the results. A meta-analysis proceeds in five steps:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Organize Notes. After you have gathered many references and notes, you
need an organizing method. One approach is to group various studies or
specific findings by skimming notes and creating a mental map of how they
fit together. Try several organizational plans before you settle on a final one.
Organizing is a skill that improves with practice.
The Advantages
1. The Internet is easy, fast, and cheap.
2. The Internet has links that provide additional ways to find and
connect to other sources of information.
3. The Internet greatly speeds the flow of information around the globe
and has a democratizing effect.
4. The Internet provides access to a vast range of information sources,
some in formats that are quite dynamic and interesting.
The Disadvantages
1. There is no quality control over what can be put on the Internet.
2. Many excellent sources and some critical resource materials are not
available on the Internet.
3. Finding sources on the Internet can be time consuming.
4. Internet sources can be unstable and difficult to document.